Drowning Prevention...It Takes A Village

THE SUMMER OF 2012 yielded a record number of drownings on Lake Tapps...a total of three swimming related drownings. The Lake Tapps community stepped up to bring hope out of tragedy by creating a multi-layer drowning prevention campaign to help swimmers and boaters who enjoy recreation on Lake Tapps and other area waterways stay safe this summer.The Swimsafe campaign was launched in May 2013 with a goal of keeping swimmers afloat.

An average adult has a 50% chance of surviving a 50-yard swim in 50 degree water

Know your limits

Drownings happen when you:

Are too cold

Are too tired

Are too far from safety

Have had too much sun

Have had too much strenuous activity

Don't know how to swim well

Use alcohol or drugs

Don't wear a life jacket

Know how to protect yourself and your loved ones

Weather and water conditions change quickly. No matter how good a swimmer you are, the water can overpower our skills. Swim safe!

Wear a life jacket when boating, tubing and rafting

Wear a life jacket when swimming where there are no lifeguards

Watch for shivering, altered judgment, blue fingers and lips

Learn how to swim

Learn CPR

Know what to do when in trouble

In an emergency

Do not hesitate, immediately call 911

Layers of Progress

Here's a glimpse of our communities' multifacitated efforts, both individual and collaborative, to support the Swimsafe campaign.

East Pierce Fire and Rescue offers life jacket sale and loaner programs. Life jackets are available at a discounted rate of $14. Our life jacket loaner program allows swimmers to borrow a free life jacket for short term/day use.

EPFR also hosts (with help from Bonney Lake Police, Pierce County Sheriff, and Sumner-Bonney Lake Aquatics) April Pools Day and Summer Splash-Tacular. These drowning prevention events focus on open water safety through engaging and fun activities.

Bonney Lake Police Department's Marine Service Unit will conduct safety ramp inspections and regularly patrol Lake Tapps' waters. BLPD and EPFR delivered water safety assemblies to all elementary school children throughout the Sumner and Dieringer School Districts. More than eighty life jackets were sold and fitted to students during the assemblies.

Pierce County has dedicated a memorial to those lost on the lake. The memorial is located at Pierce County's North Tapps Park.

Seventh grade students at North Tapps Middle School explored various measures to improve water safety on Lake Tapps this semester and came up with their own ideas to improve water safety at Bonney Lake's Allan Yorke Park. Mayor Neil Johnson gave the go-ahead to the students to install a lake water temperature display, and erect a memorial wall dedicated drowning victims at Lake Tapps.

Swimsafe Sponsors

These agencies have been meeting regularly to develop strategies and a community education program designed to promote water safety.

Although East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Bonney Lake Police and Pierce County Sheriff each have aggressive water safety programs in place, combining efforts with the Swimsafe campaign's other partner agencies provide an even stronger message with a broader reach.

“...it isa rare occurrence for a year to go by without at least one drowning at the lake,” Pierce County Council member Dan Roach said.

“As owner of Lake Tapps, it’s an honor to work with the different agencies that serve the communities around the lake. Together, we strive to keep the Lake Tapps area clean, healthy and safe. Cascade is proud to help promote Swimsafe. We urge residents and visitors to enjoy the lake safely,” said John Marchione, Cascade board chair and City of Redmond mayor.